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How do I find an LGBTQ+ affirming community of faith?

Here are a few places online where you can find affirming and supportive congregations.

• Take a look at “How to Find a Church That is Safe for LGBTQ People” (theology.com). The article dives into the different terminology used by various groups and how to weed through all the information.
• The Affirming Church Directory from GayChurch.org includes churches across Christian denominations across the globe! This may be the most complete resource I have found.
• The National LGBTQ Task Force has an Institute of Welcoming Resources.
• Keshet has an Equality Directory of Jewish congregations
• If you’re looking for an Episcopal church in the San Francisco Bay Area, take a look at Oasis California’s congregation list.

Where could I study or learn more?

• Check out QueerTheology.com for courses, articles and podcasts on the intersection of Queerness, theology and personal faith practice. They also host a vibrant online community and an extensive LGBTQ References Page.
• The Center for LGBTQ and Gender Studies in Religion (CLGS), which also has a wealth of LGBTQ+ resources.

General Resources

• The Center has a great website with information, political actions, and more; they also have drop-in hours, events, recovery, family and career resources on-site for those in the New York area. From their home page: “New York City’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center empowers people to lead healthy, successful lives. The Center celebrates our diversity and advocates for justice and opportunity.”

How about trans-specific resources?

• Austen Hartke has put together a thorough and diverse collection online called “A Trans Faith Resource List,” which includes information, hotlines, books, blogs and community and faith resources.
• The Pacific School of Religion’s CLGS group has a viewable workshop called the Trans Liberation Toolbox.
• TransEpiscopal is “a group of transgender and allied Episcopalians dedicated to fostering the full embrace of trans and nonbinary people, and our loved ones within the Episcopal Church and to inspiring faith-based advocacy for trans justice in the wider world.”

Resources for supportive parents and allies?

• PFLAG is “the first and largest organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people, their parents and families, and allies.” They have chapters throughout the United States.
• The Mama Bears are a collective of mothers of LGBTQ children and youth, who have become known for their “Free Mom Hugs” campaigns; they also do things like standing in at weddings when a parent’s presence is needed but not available. Their FaceBook group, Serendipitydoodah, is a welcoming and supportive online community.

My knowledge is limited…

If you know of a good resource for places of worship (for any denomination or religion) that welcome queer folk, please let me know!